Bottle cap system that facilitates suction-driven filling of a bottle with a fluid

ABSTRACT

A bottle cap system for filling a bottle includes a cap adapted to be sealably attached to the bottle&#39;s opening. The cap has first and second openings formed therethrough with a first conduit being sealably coupled to the first opening and a second conduit sealably coupled to the second opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to transportable storage of fluids, and more particularly to a bottle cap system that facilitates filling of a conventional bottle with a fluid using one's suction force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today's recreational sports include a wide variety of activities (e.g., hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, white water rafting, etc.) that take place in remote unpopulated regions and/or in harsh environmental conditions. In these regions and/or conditions, it is important for individuals to keep their bodies properly hydrated. However, packing sufficient amounts of drinkable fluids for an entire activity may be difficult or impractical. Typically, individuals only want to carry a single container of fluid thereby necessitating re-filling of the container at some point. However, the container re-filing process can be messy or unsanitary. Furthermore, although there may be water available from a variety of nearby natural sources, such water is generally unpotable and/or distasteful, and could cause serious illness if consumed.

A variety of water bottle or hydration systems have incorporated a purification filter to remove unwanted chemicals or organisms. That is, the unpotable and/or distasteful fluid is stored in a container with a filter being provided such that the fluid passes through the filter as it exits the container. However, this means that the container is contaminated by the unpotable and/or distasteful fluid. Thus, even after the unwanted fluid has been emptied from the container, there is a chance that residual contamination remains. Further, many current water container/filtration systems use a pump or gravity feed to get the unpotable and/or distasteful fluid through the system's filter. However, a pump's moving parts are always subject to failure and add extra weight. Gravity-feed systems can be slow. Still further, many current water container/filtration systems are designed for specific activities (e.g., on-land activities, on-water activities, etc.), but are not versatile enough to function in a variety of activities and/or environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that facilitates the filling of a conventional container such as a bottle with a fluid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bottle cap system that facilitates filling of a conventional bottle with a fluid using one's suction force.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bottle cap system that mounts on a conventional bottle to provide for the filtering of a fluid prior to the fluid being deposited into the bottle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.

In accordance with the present invention, a bottle cap system is provided for filling a bottle with a fluid. The system has a cap adapted to be sealably attached to a bottle at an opening thereof. The cap has first and second openings formed therethrough with a first conduit being sealably coupled to the first opening and a second conduit sealably coupled to the second opening. With the cap sealably attached to a bottle at its opening, the free end of the first conduit is placed in a user's mouth and the free end of the second conduit is placed in a fluid supply. When the user applies suction forces to the first conduit, the suction forces are transferred to the second conduit and operate to draw the fluid into the second conduit and ultimately into the bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments and to the drawings, wherein corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a bottle cap forming the basis for a bottle cap system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the bottle cap shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle cap shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of a bottle cap forming the basis for a bottle cap system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the bottle cap shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle cap shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the bottle cap system of the present invention to include a check valve in the suction conduit and a filter in the raw fluid inlet conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, simultaneous reference will be made to FIGS. 1-3 where perspective and cross-sectional views of a novel bottle cap that forms the basis of the bottle cap system of the present invention are shown. The bottle cap is referenced generally by numeral 10. To more clearly show the invention's features, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of bottle cap 10, FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of bottle cap 10, and FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of bottle cap 10. Bottle cap 10 will typically be used when a user needs to fill a standard container (e.g., a bottle such as a NALGENE bottle) with a fluid. As will be explained further hereinbelow, the present invention can include a filter to filter an unpotable fluid just prior to the storage thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that bottle cap 10 can be used to fill a container with any fluid without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Bottle cap 10 is typically molded or cast from a material (e.g., plastic, composite, metal, etc.) that is fairly rigid, will not corrode, and does not contaminate the fluid being processed through bottle cap 10. While bottle cap 10 can be shaped in a variety of ways without limiting the scope of the present invention, it is typically cylindrical and sized to cooperate with a conventional bottle opening. The particular size of bottle cap 10 is not a limitation of the present invention.

Bottle cap 10 is defined by a cap housing 12 that includes (i) a top 12A and an annular side 12B coupled to and substantially perpendicular 10 top 12A, and (ii) two through-hole openings 14 and 16 that extend through bottle cap 10. Annular side 12B can have ridges or knurls 12C formed about its exterior surface to facilitate the gripping of bottle cap 10. On the interior periphery of annular side 12B, threads 12D can be formed for threaded and sealing engagement with a bottle opening (not shown) as will be explained further below. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the use of threads 12D as other attachment/sealing arrangements can be provided for cooperation with a bottle's opening without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, through-hole openings 14 and 16 are defined in a recessed portion 12E of top 12A where recessed portion 12E extends into the volume of bottle cap 10 that is essentially defined by top 12A and annular side 12B. More specifically, openings 14 and 16 are formed through respective nipples 18 and 20. Nipples 18 and 20 are positioned adjacent one another within recessed portion 12E such that they are fully contained within the confines of bottle cap 10 as defined by top 12A and annular side 12B as best seen in FIG. 3. In this way, the respective tapered tops 18A and 20A of nipples 18 and 20 are protected from damage during any rough handling of bottle cap 10. Such protection of nipples 18 and 20 is important since conduits (not shown) that will be coupled to nipples 18 and 20 need to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. However, damage to nipples 18 and 20 could compromise the integrity of this seal.

Another embodiment of a bottle cap that can be used in the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4-6 and is referenced generally by numeral 50. The elements of bottle cap 50 that are the same as bottle cap 10 are referenced using the same numerals. Bottle cap 50 differs in that two separate recessed portions 12F and 12G are provided. Each of recessed portions 12F and 12G extend into the volume of bottle cap 50 that is essentially defined by top 12A and annular side 12B. Nipple 18 is formed in recessed portion 12F and nipple 20 is formed in recessed portion 12G. This embodiment provides a greater degree of protection for nipples 18 and 20 as any damaging blow would have to be very narrowly focused.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the bottle cap system of the present invention will be explained. By way of example and for ease of illustration, bottle cap system 100 will be described using bottle cap 10 although bottle cap 50 could also be used in the same fashion. Bottle cap 10 is attached to (e.g., threaded onto) the opening of a conventional bottle (e.g., a NALGENE bottle) 200 shown in phantom to indicate that bottle 200 does not comprise part of bottle cap system 100 and is not a limitation thereof.

A first conduit 30 is press-fit on one end thereof onto nipple 18. Typically, conduit 30 will be flexible tubing, a variety of which are well known in the art. Conduit 30 can have a one-way check valve 32 positioned therein such that fluid movement through conduit 30 is in one direction, i.e., from bottle cap 10 towards a user 300 as indicated by flow arrow 34. Check valve 32 could also be installed directly in opening 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A second conduit 40 is press-fit on one end thereof onto nipple 20. Similar to conduit 30, conduit 40 is typically flexible tubing. Conduit 40 is led from bottle cap 10 to a supply of fluid 400 that is to be used to fill bottle 200. Fluid 400 is can be a supply of either a drinkable or unpotable fluid. When fluid 400 is known to be a safe-drinking fluid, conduit 40 can define an open path from fluid 400 to bottle cap 10. However, when the drinkability of fluid 400 is uncertain or to assure that bottle 200 is filled with a safe, drinkable fluid, bottle cap system 100 can incorporate a filter 42 into the fluid path defined by conduit 40. The choice of filter 42 is not a limitation of the present invention. Filter 42 can be positioned in or incorporated into conduit 40, or could be positioned between and coupled to two pieces 40A and 40B of conduit 40 as shown.

In operation, with bottle cap system 100 arranged and shown as described, user 300 simply sucks on the free end of conduit 30. The user's applied suction force F_(s) is applied/transferred to conduit 40 via bottle 200 since bottle cap 10 is sealed to bottle 200. As a result, fluid 400 is drawn into conduit 40 and flows towards bottle cap 10 as indicated by flow arrow 44. Fluid 400 is filtered by filter 42 (when filter 42 is present) and then travels on and into bottle 200 as indicated by flow arrow 46.

Once bottle 200 has been filled, bottle cap 10 can be removed from bottle 200 and the bottle's normal drinking cap (not shown) can be placed thereon. Another post-filling option is to ready bottle 200 for storage/transportation by removing conduits 30 and 40 from bottle cap 10 and then sealing openings 14 and 16 by, for example, placing a cover on nipples 18 and 20 or plugs in openings 14 and 16. Still another post-filing option is to utilize bottle cap 10 to facilitate drinking from bottle 200. In this option, conduit 40 is removed, and the user drinks using conduit 30. Note that this option would entail the coupling of another conduit (not show) to opening 14 at the underside of bottle cap 10. Accordingly, bottle cap 50 may be preferred in this instance as recessed portion 12F accessible from the underside of bottle cap 10 (FIG. 5) can serve as an easy attachment point for a conduit.

The advantages of the present invention are numerous. The bottle cap system is readily adaptable for use in a wide variety of recreational sports or emergency conditions. The system allows a user to fill a bottle without using a pump. When filter 42 is provided, the fluid that fills a bottle will be filtered before being deposited in the bottle. The user is isolated from the unfiltered fluid and the use of check valve 32 assures that the user's saliva cannot contaminate the filtered fluid. The bottle cap system is simple, efficient, requires no power, and does not take up much space.

Although the invention has been described relative to a specific embodiment thereof, there are numerous variations and modifications that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. For example, the nipples and conduits used in the bottle cap system could be color-coded to simplify assembly. Further, the conduits (to include check valve 32 and filter 42) could be integrally coupled to the bottle cap without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. 

1. A bottle cap system for filling a bottle with a fluid, comprising: a cap adapted to be sealably attached to a bottle at an opening thereof, said cap having first and second openings formed therethrough; a first conduit sealably coupled to said first opening; and a second conduit sealably coupled to said second opening wherein, when said cap is sealably attached to the bottle at the opening, suction forces applied along said first conduit are transferred to said second conduit.
 2. A bottle cap system as in claim 1 further comprising a check valve fitted in one of said first opening and said first conduit, said check valve restricting fluid movement therethrough to a single direction.
 3. A bottle cap system as in claim 1 further comprising a filter in line with said second conduit.
 4. A bottle cap system as in claim 1 wherein said first opening and said second opening are adjacent to one another.
 5. A bottle cap system as in claim 1 wherein said first opening is defined by a first nipple formed by said cap and said second opening is defined by a second nipple formed by said cap.
 6. A bottle cap system as in claim 5 wherein said first nipple and said second nipple are recessed within the confines of said cap.
 7. A bottle cap system as in claim 6 wherein a single recess is formed about both of said first nipple and said second nipple.
 8. A bottle cap system as in claim 6 wherein a first recess is formed about said first nipple, and a second recess is formed about said second nipple.
 9. A bottle cap system as in claim 1 wherein said cap is threaded for engagement with the bottle at the opening thereof.
 10. A bottle cap system for filling a bottle with a fluid, comprising: a molded one-piece cap adapted to be sealably attached to a bottle at an opening thereof, said cap having first and second nippled openings formed therethrough; a first conduit press-fit on one end thereof to said first nippled opening; and a second conduit press-fit on one end thereof to said second nippled opening wherein, when said cap is sealably attached to the bottle at the opening, suction forces applied along said first conduit are transferred to said second conduit.
 11. A bottle cap system as in claim 10 further comprising a check valve fitted in one of said first nippled opening and said first conduit, said check valve restricting fluid movement therethrough to a single direction.
 12. A bottle cap system as in claim 10 further comprising a filter in line with said second conduit.
 13. A bottle cap system as in claim 10 wherein said first opening and said second opening are adjacent to one another.
 14. A bottle cap system as in claim 10 wherein each of said first nippled opening and said second nippled opening are recessed within the confines of said cap.
 15. A bottle cap system as in claim 14 wherein a single recess is formed about both of said first nippled opening and said second nippled opening.
 16. A bottle cap system as in claim 14 wherein a first recess is formed about said first nippled opening, and a second recess is formed about said second nippled opening.
 17. A bottle cap system as in claim 10 wherein said cap is threaded for engagement with the bottle at the opening thereof.
 18. A bottle cap system for filling a bottle with a fluid, comprising: a molded one-piece cap adapted to be sealably attached to a bottle at an opening thereof, said cap having first and second nippled openings formed therethrough and recessed within the confines of said cap; a first conduit press-fit on one end thereof to said first nippled opening; a check valve fitted in said first conduit for restricting fluid movement therethrough to a single direction; a second conduit press-fit on one end thereof to said second nippled opening wherein, when said cap is sealably attached to the bottle at the opening, suction forces applied along said first conduit are transferred to said second conduit; and a fluid filter in line with said second conduit.
 19. A bottle cap system as in claim 18 wherein a single recess is formed about both of said first nippled opening and said second nippled opening.
 20. A bottle cap system as in claim 18 wherein a first recess is formed about said first nippled opening, and a second recess is formed about said second nippled opening.
 21. A bottle cap system as in claim 18 wherein said cap is threaded for engagement with the bottle at the opening thereof. 